3 Replies Latest reply on Jul 23, 2013 3:21 AM by Kevin Pymm

How to export flat surfaces or to break down a sphere into possible flat surfaces for manufacturing?

Bibek Tripathi Jul 22, 2013 6:02 PM

I am having to build a polyethylene sphere, actually a helium balloon. The sphere is going to be approximately 4 meters in diameter.

Since I am getting a flat roll of polyethylene sheet, i was wondering if solidworks has the ability to export possible number of flat pieces that make up a sphere or closely one.

I would be grateful for the help or suggestion of any other engineering tools. Thank you.

Re: How to export flat surfaces or to break down a sphere into possible flat surfaces for manufacturing?

Kelvin Lamport Jul 22, 2013 7:43 PM (in response to Bibek Tripathi)

SolidWorks will not calculate the two-way stretch involved in flattening a spherical (multi curved) segment, but if you can live with flatted (single curved) segments, you can easily approximate the number of panels involved by dividing the circumference of the sphere by the poly sheet width. Make sure to allow sufficient material for the seams.
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- Re: How to export flat surfaces or to break down a sphere into possible flat surfaces for manufacturing?
  
  Bibek Tripathi Jul 22, 2013 11:32 PM (in response to Kelvin Lamport)
  
  Would you please give me directions to do such single curved segments?
  
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Re: How to export flat surfaces or to break down a sphere into possible flat surfaces for manufacturing?

Kevin Pymm Jul 23, 2013 3:21 AM (in response to Bibek Tripathi)

Bibek,

Try this link to another thread where this was discussed.

https://forum.solidworks.com/message/368211

Hope it helps.
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